When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard all this, they were very displeased that someone had come to seek benefit for the Israelites.

the descendants of Harif, 112;

the men of Anathoth, 128;

the men of Micmash, 122;

Esther replied, “If the king is so inclined, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”

“If only I had someone to hear me! Here is my signature – let the Almighty answer me! If only I had an indictment that my accuser had written.

By David. Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have integrity, and I trust in the Lord without wavering.

For the music director; written by the Lord’s servant, David; an oracle. An evil man is rebellious to the core. He does not fear God,

For the music director; according to the tune of “Lilies;” by David. Deliver me, O God, for the water has reached my neck.

Yet he is compassionate. He forgives sin and does not destroy. He often holds back his anger, and does not stir up his fury.

He drove the nations out from before them; he assigned them their tribal allotments and allowed the tribes of Israel to settle down.

You cause those who know me to keep their distance; you make me an appalling sight to them. I am trapped and cannot get free.

The one who leads the upright astray in an evil way will himself fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.

I thought to myself, “Come now, I will try self-indulgent pleasure to see if it is worthwhile.” But I found that it also is futile.

Do not rush out of the king’s presence in haste – do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, for he can do whatever he pleases.

Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobility, and your princes feast at the proper time – with self-control and not in drunkenness.

You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride! You have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace.

Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel. The locks of your hair are like royal tapestries – the king is held captive in its tresses!

So Isaiah replied, “Pay attention, family of David. Do you consider it too insignificant to try the patience of men? Is that why you are also trying the patience of my God?

But he does not agree with this, his mind does not reason this way, for his goal is to destroy, and to eliminate many nations.